Scott Walker: Conservative of the Year 2012

Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin has been named the Human Events Conservative of the Year 2012, succeeding Rep. Paul Ryan, Human Events announced Thursday.

The Editors said Walker was chosen because he brought the benefits of conservatism to a financially troubled state, and survived numerous harsh encounters with a relentlessly hostile political environment. He was denounced, protested, and demonized to the point where he shared space with Adolf Hitler and deposed Egyptian strongman Hosni Mubarak on protest signs.

Big Labor unleashed a tidal wave of money and organizational power against him. His adversaries were willing to break every rule to take him down — from unionized teachers abandoning their classrooms so they could join protest marches, to Democratic officials literally fleeing across state lines in a desperate bid to shut down state government.

And yet, Walker beat them time and again, becoming the first U.S. governor to survive a recall election. Friend and foe alike testify to Walker’s sincerity and conviction. He is soft of voice, mild of manner, and has a steel spine.

In the years to come, as Americans deal with the consequences of the vote they cast in 2012, they’ll want to hear from leaders with a resume of both political and policy success like Scott Walker.

When Rep. Paul Ryan was informed of the choice, he said: “Scott is a model governor, a true conservative, and a great friend. I’m delighted to see him receive this honor.”

And as 2010 recipient, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), put it: “Gov. Walker’s courageous stand on behalf of taxpayers and sound economic principles has been an inspiration. As he worked to steer his state towards prosperity he also gave some much-needed guidance for conservatives all over the nation who are confronting the very same problems out-of-control government unions are causing to budgets around the country.”

Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity, had this to say about our pick: “Simply put, Scott Walker is the best governor in the country. He has taken often difficult, bold steps to bring economic freedom and prosperity to the great state of Wisconsin.”

Governor Scott Walker has changed Wisconsin
by Grover Norquist
Walker’s reforms in Wisconsin will save Wisconsin taxpayers $3 billion dollars in the short run and many more in the long run. As his reforms spread, so will the fiscal benefits.

The Scott Walker Timeline
Wisconsin’s governor has always taken on the tough battles — and we’ve got the timeline to prove it.

Past recipients of the Human Events Conservative of the Year award include: